396: A new trick for old science, and biotech VCs' scrambled playbook

April 9, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

Elaine and Allison discuss the latest biotech news, including the resurgence of old exon science and the challenges facing biotech VCs.

Why is old exon science getting new traction? What’s unsettling biotech VCs? And who will be the next CEO of PhRMA? Adam is out, so Elaine and Allison dive into the latest news, including how China and artificial intelligence are straining biotech VC firms, in addition to more M&A. They also discuss how a cancelled Food and Drug Administration meeting led to a biotech’s demise. Plus, there’s new hope for an old theory on treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. STAT reporter Jason Mast details the clinical testing underway.

People in this episode

Hosts: Elaine, Allison

Guest: Jason Mast

Topics covered

biotech
venture capital
clinical testing
FDA
M&A
Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Keywords

biotech
venture capital
FDA
clinical testing
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
M&A
China
artificial intelligence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PhRMA, Food and Drug Administration, STAT, China, biotech VC firms, Duchenne muscular dystrophy